New McLaren team-mates Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton

"He showed me just how not to behave as an F1 driver," said Hamilton.

"He was [the leader] at the beginning, wasn't he - but it changed. We should be a team. It should be equal,"

The intense rivalry between the pair provided a major talking point during to the 2007 Championship and eventually escalated into a war of words.

Prior to the Japanese Grand Prix last September, Hamilton said he did not think he and Alonso could continue together at McLaren beyond the end of the season.

The Spaniard retaliated by declaring: "I'd be delighted if I didn't carry on with Hamilton.

"If we are not together next season and I can go to a good car, then great."

Alonso, a double F1 champion, has now returned to Renault.

Last year the only excuse was that I was a rookie and that it was all new Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton will have a new partner in 2008, with Finland's Heikki Kovalainen joining McLaren, and has insisted he does not want or expect any preferential treatment from the team.

"I don't want any advantages, any head starts. We should be a team - it should be equal," the 23-year-old commented.

" I just like fairness, and I want Heikki Kovalainen to have the exact same opportunities. If he does and I beat him, there's the reward.

"Beat him on the same tyres, same engine then, knowing all that, you just know you're a better driver."

Hamilton just failed in his attempt to win the drivers' title in his memorable debut season, finishing a single point adrift of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in a thrilling finish in Brazil.

Hamilton puts the new McLaren through its paces at Valencia

"Last year the only excuse was that I was a rookie and that it was all new.

"But this year I'll continue to learn. There'll always be mistakes but I don't feel there is any room for error," he said.

"I just strive for excellence, always. I don't say I have to be this, that I have to be that, by this time - but I want to be world champion this year.